Parent Connection – fpKIDS
Preschool (2yrs to PreK)
“Nothing can separate us from God’s love.”
This week’s story we focus on how “God loves me and will save the day”. There’s a fascinating account of God’s saving love in Daniel 3:10-13 where we see 3 guys stand up for what they knew was right despite the consequences. A great story for our preschoolers to see how God is with us even in the most scary moments of our lives. He loves us that much.
As a parent, do you struggle at times to remember that God loves you and will save the day? Though the terminology of that phrase is a better fit for you preschooler, the concept remains intact.
God loves you and He will meet your needs.
God loves you and He will heal your hurt.
God loves you and He will guide you.
The pivotal thing about the 3 guys in Daniel 3 is they focused more on God and less on the problem. And when they did that… they saw God move.
Don’t miss His work in your life because you’re too focused on the problem. Focus on God and you’ll see Him move.
This week, Make It Personal, by writing down 3 problems you are facing today. Ask God to help you focus more on Him and less on the problems so you don’t miss His amazing work.
Elementary (K to 3rd Grade)
Respect those in charge, even if they don’t deserve it.
The values derived from 1 Samuel 24 were pivotal for me as a child. As a young child in the 70’s, The Dukes of Hazzard was a popular show. All my friends were watching it, wearing Daisey Dukes and talked of owning a car like the General Lee. But my parents didn’t allow me to watch the Dukes of Hazzard for one simple reason. Respect.
My parents believed strongly that we should always respect authority even if that authority is corrupt. The Duke boys didn’t demonstrate that value. So we didn’t watch that show.
That value has never left me. Teaching our kids to respect those in charge, even if they don’t deserve it is a tough lesson to learn. But it’s a critical one as it teaches them that ultimately God is in control and He is the ultimate authority. By honoring the authority placed in our lives, we honor God.
This week, Make It Personal, by allowing your kids to see how you strive to grow. Talk to them about a time you chose not to respect authority and the outcome of that choice. Talk about a current situation where you are tempted to (or have) disrespect the authority God’s placed over you.
Club 45 (4th & 5th Grade)
Use your words to build up others, not tear them down.
What a great thing to focus on with our preteens… and us! Whoever said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” was wrong. Words do hurt. And when they come flying our of our mouths in a wild tirrade, they hurt more than we realize.
Often it is easier to say what we’re thinking especially when we’re frustrated. Releasing that frustration can feel good. But, in the process, it can do significant damage to our child’s heart.
Here’s a great exercise to bring perspective to our words. Start by reading James 1:19–20. According to this verse we are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” I once heard someone say that God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we speak. The point is that we need think about the words we use instead of responding out of anger or jealousy. As you are taking time to think before speaking, here are three questions that you can ask yourself about what you’re about to say:
- Are my words true?
- Are my words encouraging?
- Are my words helping others see Jesus Christ?
